Around the Senior School

Physics in Action

Year 11 & 12 Students Brave the Rain for a Thrilling Day at Luna Park

Despite the grey skies and steady drizzle, our Year 11 and 12 Physics students embraced the elements and set off for an unforgettable day of learning at Luna Park in Sydney. The wet weather may have dampened the ground, but it certainly didn’t dampen their spirits—or their curiosity!

In fact, the rain turned out to be a hidden blessing: with fewer visitors in the park, students had the rare opportunity to enjoy virtually no lines for the rides. This meant more time to experience, observe, and analyse the physics at play on multiple attractions throughout the day.

From the spinning Rotor to the anxiety inducing Sledgehammer, students explored real-world applications of concepts like circular motion, forces, acceleration, and energy transformations. The Boomerang rollercoaster offered a thrilling case study in potential and kinetic energy, while the Ferris Wheel provided a calmer moment to reflect on rotational motion and equilibrium, all while enjoying sweeping views of a misty Sydney Harbour. One highlight of the day was the student vs teacher Dodgem Car races. I was assured by all students that they take more care on the road than they did at Dodgem City.

On returning to the classroom, students then engaged in the theory of the rides, completing calculations and answering questions about the rides that relate to the course content in Stage 6 Physics.

Many students remarked that it was one of their favourite excursions to date, whilst the teachers were feeling nauseous after attempting to keep up with the students on the many rides on offer. This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable. It’s one thing to learn about forces and motion in a textbook, but it’s another to feel them in action.

A big thank you to Miss Triggs and our Gap students, Kirsty and Ellara, for helping to organise the trip and accompanying us on the day, and to our students for their enthusiasm, resilience, and excellent representation of our school.

Alex McLennan

HOD Science

Years 7–10 Shine at CWA Public Speaking Competition in Orange

Students from Years 7–10 recently represented Kinross Wolaroi School at the CWA Public Speaking Competition in Orange, showcasing their confidence, creativity, and communication skills. The event brought together talented young speakers from across the region to present on a range of thought-provoking topics.

Our competitors—Lola Mages, Julia Barnett, Georgie Simpson, Joanie Tink, and Lola Short—delivered impressive speeches that captivated the audience and judges alike. Each student demonstrated poise and originality, speaking passionately on topics such as current issues, personal values, and inspirational figures.

Special congratulations go to Lola Mages and Georgie Simpson, who were both awarded Highly Commended. Georgie’s speech on Malala Yusufasi for “Women Who Inspire Me” and Lola’s passionate speech about the issue of domestic violence and safety for women in Australia on “The Voice of Reason Has Laryngitis” stood out for their insight and strong delivery.

Well done to all participants for proudly representing the school with excellence and enthusiasm.

Mrs Kate Rohr, Coordinator

Year 12 Standard English

Year 12 Standard English students recently had the excellent opportunity to attend the University of Sydney for the English Teachers Association Paper 2 Modules Day. The event brought together students from various schools to explore key concepts and texts in preparation for the HSC Standard English Paper 2.

Expert lecturers from the English Teachers Association guided students through critical modules including Craft of Writing, Language, Identity and Culture, and Close Study of Text. With engaging presentations and detailed analysis, students deepened their understanding of literary techniques, themes, and contextual perspectives.

The university setting offered a unique and inspiring learning environment, encouraging students to think critically and expand their thinking. It was a valuable day of academic enrichment, with many students commenting on how it boosted their confidence and clarified complex ideas.